System and method for shoreline preservation

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a removable erosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system for shoreline preservation along a line defined by a plurality of posts. An exemplary REAF system comprises first and second post clamp pairs mounted to adjacent posts. Each post clamp pair “sandwiches” a post and is fixedly attached to the post by virtue of fasteners that lock one half of the post clamp pair to its other half. In this way, the post clamp pair “hugs” the post and is secured thereon without having to be permanently fixed to the post or damaging the structural rigidity of the post. Each post clamp pair includes a substantially vertical wall slot such that one or more cross-members may be received into the walls slots to form a wall section in a space defined between the adjacent posts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. non-provisional utility patent application is acontinuation-in-part of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to,the U.S. non-provisional utility patent application entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR SHORELINE PRESERVATION,” filed on Jun. 5, 2013 and assignedapplication Ser. No. 13/910,893, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to, and incorporates by reference the entire contents of, U.S.provisional patent application entitled “A REMOVABLE EROSION CONTROL ANDFENCING SYSTEM THAT IS DESIGNED FOR FAST INSTALLATIONS,” filed on Jun.5, 2012 and assigned application Ser. No. 61/655,765. The entirecontents of both Ser. No. 13/910,893 and 61/655,765 are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The maintenance and preservation of shorelines is an ever presentconcern for owners of structures located near large bodies of water. Asthe water continually laps against the shoreline or crashes into it waveafter wave, the definition of the shoreline is prone to constantshifting and eroding. As one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, this constant shifting and eroding of the shoreline cancause problems for structures situated near it.

For instance, during a high tide or storm a beachfront house built atoppilings may experience waves crashing in front of and/or beneath it. Aseach wave crashes, water and sediment are thrown violently against theportion of the shoreline that is in front of or beneath the beachfronthouse. And, as each wave recedes after its crash, the shoreline itselfis eroded away. Over time, this crashing and eroding inevitably combineto redefine the shoreline edge and, at some point, may turn thebeachfront home into an “in front of the beach” home.

A common method for combating shoreline erosion is to construct apermanent wall, fence or seawall to act as a bulkhead between thestructure and the water's edge. The bulkhead may be constructed frommarine treated slats mounted to a series of posts, concrete blockmortared to footings, piled up stones or sandbags, sheet metal driveninto the ground and backed by pylons, or just about anything that standsa chance of holding up to the elements. As opposed to being a standalonestructure, some bulkheads may actually be constructed from cross memberspermanently attached to the pilings that support a pier, beachfront homeor other structure. Regardless of the specific construction, a permanentbulkhead serves as a retaining system for the shoreline behind it (wherea structure such as a home may be located) and also as a barrier forpreventing wave erosion.

Notably, shoreline preservation systems that take the form of apermanent bulkhead are considered “Hard Fixed Erosion Control Devices”that are outlawed in many areas. The permanent nature of theirconstruction is considered by many authorities to be detrimental to thelong term health of the shoreline and its ecosystem. Additionally,permanent bulkheads that are built off of pilings (such as a beachfronthome pilings or pier pylons) can damage the pilings to such an extentthat the structural integrity is compromised. Moreover, permanentbulkheads are often expensive and labor intensive to construct.Therefore, what is needed in the art is a system and method forshoreline preservation which is non-permanent and easily constructed.Further, what is needed in the art is a system and method for shorelinepreservation that does not compromise the structural integrity ofpilings or pylons.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspectsthereof, are directed towards a system for shoreline preservation alonga line defined by a plurality of posts. Depending on the embodiment, theposts may be installed specifically for the purpose of supporting theshoreline preservation system or they may preexist for the purpose ofsupporting a structure such as a beachfront house, deck or pier. Anexemplary shoreline preservation system, termed herein as a removableerosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system, comprises first and secondpost clamp pairs mounted to adjacent posts. Each post clamp pair“sandwiches” a post and is fixedly attached to the post by virtue offasteners that lock one half of the post clamp pair to its other half.In this way, the post clamp pair “hugs” the post and is secured thereonwithout having to be permanently fixed to the post or damaging thestructural rigidity of the post.

Further, each post clamp pair may include a substantially vertical wallslot such that a wall slot on one post clamp pair mounted on one postfaces a complimentary wall slot on a second post clamp pair that ismounted to an adjacent post. One or more cross-members are subsequentlyreceived into the walls slots such that a wall section is formed in aspace defined between the adjacent posts.

A REAF system may be used for any number of applications including, butnot limited to, fences, straight walls, jagged walls, and T-shaped wallssuch as is often used for a groin or jetty. An exemplary application ofa REAF system may be for management of shoreline erosion. As a wave ofwater contacts the front-side of a REAF system, water and suspendedsediment is forced through and between adjacent cross-members thatdefine a wall section between adjacent posts. Energy carried by the waveis dissipated by virtue of the wave coming into contact with the REAFsystem and the water having to navigate through the narrow openingsbetween adjacent cross-members of a given wall section. Once the waterand sediment carried by a wave passes through the wall section of theREAF system, sand and sediment accretes or accumulates on the backsideof the system while the water recedes back through the system. In thisway, the integrity of the shoreline on the backside of the REAF systemis maintained as well as the integrity of the installation of thevarious pilings that support the REAF system.

An exemplary REAF system embodiment includes first and second postsleeves mounted around first and second posts, respectively. The postssleeves may be formed from pairs of post clamps or may be a single,integrated sleeve for sliding down and around a post. The first andsecond posts are adjacent such that the right side of the first postsleeve faces the left side of the second post sleeve and each postsleeve is fixed in position relative to its respective post by a centercavity profile having at least one flat aspect. For example, the centercavity profile of a post sleeve may be octagonal in shape such that ithas eight flat aspects, as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art of geometry. Similarly, the post to which a post sleeve withan octagonal center cavity profile is mounted may feature an octagonalcross-sectional profile. Each of the right side of the first post sleeveand the left side of the second post sleeve may comprise a substantiallyvertical wall slot, although angled wall slots are envisioned. Aplurality of cross-members may be received into the walls slots suchthat a wall section is formed in a space defined between the first andsecond posts. Certain REAF embodiments may also include a verticalhousing unit received into the wall slots and comprising a plurality ofsubstratum members for preventing erosion beneath a first and lowestcross-member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughoutthe various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numeralswith letter character designations such as “102A” or “102B”, the lettercharacter designations may differentiate two like parts or elementspresent in the same Figure. Letter character designations for referencenumerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral toencompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all Figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary removableerosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system mounted between two supportposts;

FIGS. 2A-2J illustrate a method for constructing the exemplary REAFsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary REAF systemwhich is relatively taller than the exemplary REAF system of FIG. 1,illustrated with “deadman” anchor components adjusted at varyingheights;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary REAFsystem of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various components of the exemplary REAF systemof FIG. 1 including a “z” cross-member, a deadman anchor component, apair of post clamps, a pair of locking caps and a slip-on post clamp;

FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate cross-sections of exemplary post clamp pairs thatmay be included in various embodiments of a REAF system;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate cross-sections of exemplary wall sections made ofcross-members that may be included in some embodiments of a REAF system;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary REAF system with diamond-shapedcross-members being used in an application to mitigate erosion of ashoreline;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary REAF system with diamond-shapedcross-members being inserted into a side port aspect of an exemplarypost clamp that includes an adjustable bottom stop feature;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary installation of a REAF system to aseries of pylons supporting a deck structure;

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate an exemplary spacer component that may becomprised within certain embodiments of a REAF system;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary REAF system comprising the exemplaryspacer component of FIGS. 11-12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary vertical housing unit (“VHU”) that maybe comprised within certain embodiments of a REAF system;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary REAF system comprising the exemplaryVHU of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the cutaway depicted in the FIG. 15illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects, features and advantages of several exemplary embodiments of thesystems and methods for shoreline preservation will become betterunderstood with regard to the following description in connection withthe accompanying drawing(s). It should be apparent to those skilled inthe art that the described embodiments provided herein are illustrativeonly and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Allfeatures disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modificationsthereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the systems andmethods as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use ofabsolute terms such as, for example, “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shallnot,” “must” and “must not” are not meant to limit the scope of thepresent invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merelyexemplary. Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive,preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspectsthereof, are directed towards providing a system and method forshoreline preservation. Embodiments of the systems and methods forshoreline preservation are referred to herein as removableerosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) systems and methods and are usefulfor, among other purposes, dissipating wave energy and mitigatingshoreline erosion.

An advantage of certain embodiments is that the REAF system mounts toexisting pylons, pilings or posts (such as may exist for supporting apier, deck or housing structure) without significantly compromising thestructural integrity of those pylons, pilings or posts. A furtheradvantage of certain embodiments is that the method of installing a REAFsystem is quick, simple and economical when compared to permanentbulkheads. Yet another advantage of certain embodiments of a REAF systemis that energy from water waves is dissipated through the system whilesand, dirt and sediment is accreted on the backside of the system. Inthis way, embodiments allow for water in the form of a wave to “crash”through the system and then recede back through while leaving solids onthe backside of the system, thus maintaining shoreline integrity andpreventing erosion that could compromise the stability of a structuremounted atop the pylons.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary REAF system100 mounted between two support posts 105, 106. As described above, thesupport posts 105 may initially exist for the purpose of supporting astructure such as a pier, deck or beach house. The exemplary REAF system100 includes two pairs of post clamps 115, 116 mounted to the supportposts 105, 106, respectively. Notably, and as will be better understoodfrom subsequent figures, each pair of post clamps 115, 116 may beconfigured to “sandwich” a pylon or piling 105, 106.

A series of cross-members 120 are received into opposing vertical grooveor channel aspects of the post clamps 115B, 116A in the form of wallslots such that the cross-members 120 form a wall between the supportposts 105, 106. Once the cross-members 120 have been received into theopposing wall slots, two pairs of locking caps 110, 111 may be mountedto the support posts 105, 106 atop the post clamp pairs 115, 116. Thelocking cap pairs 110, 111 serve to secure the cross-members 120 in theopposing wall slots of post clamps 115B, 116A.

The exemplary REAF system 100 further includes a pair of exemplarydeadman anchor components 125, 126 received into a vertical groove orchannel aspect, i.e. a deadman slot, created by each post clamp pair115, 116, respectively. It is envisioned that the deadman anchorcomponents 125, 126 are not necessarily comprised within all embodimentsof a REAF system; however, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art, deadman anchor components 125, 126 may provideadditional structural rigidity to the REAF system 100 by providing aforce on the backside of the posts 105, 106.

It is envisioned that various components within a REAF system may beconstructed from any number of materials including, but not limited to,plastic, wood, concrete, ceramic, galvanized steel, aluminum or anymaterial suited for a particular application. As such, the scope of aREAF system 100 is not limited by its materials of construction,although certain material choices may be advantageous over othersdepending on the embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2J illustrate a method for constructing the exemplary REAFsystem 100 of FIG. 1. Beginning with FIG. 2A, a pair of posts 105, 106are illustrated as being anchored in the ground 101, such as along abeachfront. Notably, it is envisioned that the posts 105, 106 maypreexist for the purpose of supporting a structure such as a beachhouse, pier or deck. Even so, it is also envisioned that someembodiments of a REAF system 100 may include posts 105, 106 that havebeen anchored in the ground 101 explicitly for the purpose of supportinga REAF system.

Turning to FIG. 2B, a first post clamp 115A is positioned against post105. At FIG. 2C, a post clamp 115B is positioned on post 105 opposite ofpost clamp 115A such that the post clamp pair 115 substantiallysurrounds post 105, i.e. post clamp pair 115 “sandwiches” post 105. Ascan further be seen in FIG. 2C, the mating of post clamps 115A, 115Bserves to create a vertical deadman slot 130. Moreover, a series ofthrough-bolt holes 135A, 135B in each of the post clamps 115A, 115Balign such that through-bolts or other fastening devices may be insertedto secure the post clamps 115A, 115B to each other and around the post105.

FIG. 2D illustrates that post clamps 116A, 116B are installed on post106 in the same manner as has been described relative to post clamps115A, 115B in FIGS. 2B-2C. Similar to the post clamp pair 115, the postclamp pair 116 is secured to post 106 via a series of fastening devices,such as through-bolts, installed through holes 136A, 136B. Notably, oncepost clamp pairs 115, 116 are secured to posts 105, 106, opposingvertical wall slots 140B (on post clamp 115B) and 141A (on post clamp116A) are substantially aligned to define a plane between posts 105 and106. As will be further shown and described, the wall slots 140, 141 areuseful for receiving cross-members that collectively define a wall orbarrier on the plane defined by the wall slots 140, 141.

Turning now to FIG. 2E, a first cross-member 120A is inserted lengthwisebetween post clamps 115B and 116A such that its ends are received intothe wall slots 140B and 141A. In the exemplary REAF system 100 depictedin FIG. 2, the cross-members 120 are received into the top of the wallslots 140, 141 and lowered into position. It is envisioned, however,that other REAF system embodiments may receive cross-members intoposition via different means, according to the specific configuration ofthe given embodiment and, as such, the scope of a REAF system will notbe limited to include only embodiments that are configured to receivecross-members into the top of vertical wall slots of the post clamps.

FIG. 2F depicts the exemplary REAF system 100 with three morecross-members 120B-120D received into the wall slots 140B, 141A andlowered into position. Notably, as one of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize, cross-members 120A-120D are collectively operating todefine a wall between posts 105 and 106. Turning to FIG. 2G, four morecross-members 120E-120H are depicted as having been received into thewall slots 140B, 141A on top of cross-members 120A-120D. Accordingly, awall 120 has been formed between the posts 105 and 106.

As can be understood from the FIG. 2G illustration, additional postclamp pairs (not depicted) may be installed atop post clamp pairs 115,116 such that the vertical wall slots 140, 141 are extended up the posts105, 106. Accordingly, and as one of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize, wall 120 may be extended with additional cross-members120I-120 n when additional post clamp pairs are installed in series upthe posts 105, 106.

Turning now to FIG. 2H, a pair of deadman components 125, 126 arereceived into deadman slots 130 and 131, respectively. As would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the deadman components125, 126 may include a lip or other feature that operates to lock thedeadman component 125, 126 into the deadman slot 130, 131 by virtue ofmating with a recess or groove aspect of the slot 130, 131. Notably, itis envisioned that the deadman components 125, 126 may include anyfeature useful for securing it to the post clamps 115, 116 and, as such,one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the particularshape or configuration of a deadman anchor component that may beincluded in a particular REAF system embodiment will not limit the scopeof what constitutes a REAF system. Some REAF systems may include one ormore deadman anchor components while other REAF systems may not includea deadman component at all. Moreover, it is envisioned that a deadmananchor component may take any form useful for serving the purpose of adeadman anchor component, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art of retaining walls or bulkheads.

Turning now to FIG. 2I, locking caps 110A, 110B are installed atop thewall 120 and post clamp pair 115, thereby securing the cross-members120A-120H that form wall 120 in the vertical wall slot 140B. In theexemplary REAF system 100, locking caps 110A, 110B are positionedagainst post 105 and fastened to post clamps 115A, 115B, respectively.The locking cap pair 110 may be secured to post clamp pair 115 or, insome embodiments, may be secured to each other and/or post 105. FIG. 2Jdepicts a second locking cap pair 111 secured in place atop post clamppair 116 on post 106. Once locking cap pairs 110, 111 are secured, wall120 is secured in wall slots 140A, 141B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary REAF system102 which is relatively taller than the exemplary REAF system 101 ofFIG. 1. As explained above, it is envisioned that some embodiments of aREAF system may include multiple post clamp pairs installed in series upa particular post. However, it is also envisioned that certainembodiments such as, for example, REAF system 102 may simply includepost clamp pairs that are tall enough to preclude the need to installmultiple post clamp pairs on a single post. Referring to the FIG. 3embodiment, it can be seen that post clamp pairs 117, 118 are relativelytaller than exemplary post clamp pairs 115, 116 of FIGS. 1-2. As such,wall 121 is also taller than wall 120 and may be better suited for agiven shoreline preservation application.

Also, as depicted in FIG. 3, the deadman anchor components 127, 128 areadjusted at varying heights. The ability to adjust the heights of thedeadman anchor components in some embodiments of a REAF system may proveadvantageous as dirt, sand and sediment accretes over time on thebackside of the REAF system. That is, depending on the relative heightof the ground on the backside of the REAF system 102 as compared to theheight of the ground on the opposite side, the deadman anchor components125-128 may be adjusted up or down to ensure that their function ofproviding additional support to the overall system is optimized.Moreover, and further regarding the deadman anchor components that maybe included in certain embodiments of a REAF system, it is envisionedthat additional deadman anchor cross-members (not shown) may bepositioned in parallel with the wall 120, 121.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary REAFsystem 100 of FIG. 1. In the FIG. 4 illustration, it can be seen thatthe cross-members 120 have a cross-section in the form of a “z.”Notably, it is envisioned that cross-members of various embodiments of aREAF system may have any number of cross-sectional shapes in additionto, or in lieu of, the exemplary “z” cross-section of the cross-members120. For instance, it is envisioned that some embodiments of a REAFsystem may use cross-members with a hollow diamond-shaped cross section.Other embodiments may use polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) pipe, with acircular cross-section, as cross-members. Other cross-member profilesare envisioned.

An advantage of using cross-members with a z-shaped profile, such ascross-members 120, is that a torturous flow path is created betweenadjacent cross-members that form wall 120. As one of ordinary skill inthe art would understand, water and sediment crashing into the frontside (the side of wall 120 opposite of the deadman anchor component 126)of the REAF system 100 may flow between the stacked cross-members 120A-Hto reach the backside of the system 100. In doing so, the water andsediment is forced to enter between upper and lower adjacentcross-members where it impacts the back wall of the upper cross-memberbefore flowing downward and out to the backside of the system. Thetorturous path operates to absorb energy from the wave and also causesthe sediment to drop out of suspension. Further, as the water that makesit through the wall 120 to the backside of the system 100 recedes backthrough the torturous path, significant amounts of sediment areprevented from traveling with it. More detail regarding the function ofa REAF system is depicted and described relative to FIG. 8.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate in more detail various components of theexemplary REAF system 100 of FIG. 1 as well as components that may beincluded in other embodiments of a REAF system. FIG. 5A depicts a singlecross-member 120A-H having a z-shaped cross-sectional profile. FIG. 5Bdepicts an exemplary deadman anchor component 125, 126. FIG. 5C depictsa pair of post clamps 115, 116 and a pair of locking caps 110, 111.

FIG. 5D illustrates an upper perspective view 515A and a lowerperspective view 515B of an exemplary slip-on post clamp 515. From theFIG. 5D illustration, it can be seen that certain embodiments of a postclamp may be constructed of a single body such that its installationonto a post requires that it be “slipped” onto the post and thenpositioned. It is envisioned that a slip-on post clamp 515 may be analternative to a post clamp pair in some applications.

Moreover, in the FIG. 5D illustration, tongue 501 and groove 502 aspectscan be seen on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip-on post clamp.Notably, although the tongue 501 and groove 502 aspects are clearlyshown in connection with the slip-on embodiment of a post clamp 515, itis envisioned that other embodiments of a post clamp, as well as othercomponents within a given REAF system embodiment, may include tongue andgroove features or other means useful for mechanically positioning andconnecting one component with another. For instance, it can be seen inthe FIG. 5C embodiments that the post clamp pairs 115, 116 featuretongue aspects on their upper surfaces. Similarly, it can also be seenthat the locking cap components 110, 111 feature groove aspects on theirlower surfaces. Further, and as one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, use of the tongue and groove connection means betweencomponents of a given REAF system may improve the overall structuralrigidity of the system as well as provide for scalability of the systemsuch as by stacking post clamps, one atop the other, to increase a wallheight.

Further to the FIG. 5 illustrations, and to all embodiments ofcomponents that may be included in a given REAF system, it is envisionedthat any REAF system component may be solid in construction or hollow inconstruction. It is envisioned that an advantage of hollow components isthat they may be filled or “choked” with materials such as structuralfoam, water, sand, concrete, etc. As one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize, REAF system components configured to be choked or filledmay be less expensive to manufacture than comparable solid components.Moreover, the structural rigidity of the components may be improvedand/or the weight of the components optimized.

FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate cross-sections of exemplary post clamp pairs thatmay be included in various embodiments of a REAF system. Referring toFIG. 6A, an exemplary post clamp pair 615A, 615B includes a circularcenter cavity profile and a wall slot 640A. As has been described anddepicted in the previous figures, a wall slot such as wall slot 640A isa substantially vertical channel in a post clamp for receipt ofcross-members such as cross-members 120A-H. Even so, it is envisionedthat a wall slot, such as exemplary wall slot 640A, may be angled suchthat it is not substantially vertical or perpendicular relative to theground. By angling a wall slot, certain REAF embodiments may provide foradditional structural rigidity for standing up against repeated wavecrashes and/or hydraulic pressure resulting from accreted sand andsediment. Returning to the FIG. 6A illustration, post clamp 615A may beabsent a wall slot for the purpose of providing an aestheticallypleasing view of the end of a given REAF system installation.

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary post clamp pair 615C, 615D with a circularcenter cavity profile and a pair of wall slots 640B, 640C. As can beunderstood from various figures in this specification, each wall slot640B, 640C may be positioned opposite to a complimentary wall slot in anadjacent post clamp pair, thereby each receiving cross-members that formdifferent wall sections of a given REAF system. A post clamp pair suchas post clamp pair 615C, 615D provides for adjacent walls (each formedfrom a plurality of cross-members) in a given REAF system which arepositioned in substantially the same plane.

FIG. 6C depicts an exemplary post clamp pair 615E, 615F with a circularcenter cavity profile and a pair of wall slots 640D, 640E. As can beseen in FIG. 6C, the wall slot 640D is unique to post clamp 615E whilewall slot 640E is formed by virtue of a complimentary notches along theedges of each of post clamps 615E and 615F. In this way, the wall slots640D and 640E are positioned substantially ninety degrees apart so thatadjacent wall sections of a given REAF system may be perpendicular.

FIG. 6D depicts an exemplary post clamp pair 615G, 615H with a circularcenter cavity profile and no wall slots. A post clamp pair such as thatwhich is depicted in FIG. 6D may be custom configurable such that wallslots are milled at positions uniquely suited for a given application ofa REAF system. For example, it is envisioned that adjacent walls ofcross-members in a REAF system application may require positioningrelatively to each other at custom angles. In such an application, a“blank” post clamp pair may be configured in the field with wall slotsat the desired positions.

Moreover, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments of postclamp pairs depicted in the FIG. 6 illustrations are being offered forexemplary purposes only and are not meant to suggest that a REAF systemis limited to include only those post clamp pair combinations. It isalso envisioned that center profiles may take any cross-sectional shapethat is suitable to mounting to a given post, pylon or piling.

Notably, the exemplary REAF system embodiment 100 shown and describedrelative to the previous figures assumed mounting to a series ofcylindrical pilings, pylons or posts; however, as mentioned in theprevious paragraph it is envisioned that some embodiments of a REAFsystem may be mounted to posts that are not cylindrical. For example,the post clamp pair 615I, 615J depicted in FIG. 6E includes a centercavity profile in the form of a square for mounting to posts having asquare cross-section. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, an advantage of using post clamp pairs with non-circular centercavity profiles (such as a square center cavity profile) in conjunctionwith non-cylindrical posts is that rotation of the post clamp pairaround the post may be alleviated without having to risk compromisingthe structural integrity of the post with fasteners or through-bolts. Toprovide further examples of post clamp pairs for a REAF applicationusing non-cylindrical posts, FIGS. 6F and 6G illustrate post clamp pairshaving center cavities with hexagonal and octagonal cross-sections,respectively. Post clamp pair 615K, 615L work together to form ahexagonal center cavity profile for interfacing with a hexagonal post orpylon. Similarly, post clamp pair 615M, 615N of the FIG. 6G illustrationwork together to form an octagonal center cavity profile for interfacingwith an octagonal post or pylon.

FIG. 6H depicts an exemplary post clamp pair 615P, 615Q with a circularcenter cavity profile and a plurality of wall slots 640F, 640G, 640H. Ascan be understood from various figures in this specification, each wallslot 640F, 640G, 640H may be positioned opposite to a complimentary wallslot in an adjacent post clamp pair, thereby each receivingcross-members that form different wall sections of a given REAF system.A post clamp pair such as post clamp pair 615P, 615Q provides foradjacent walls (each formed from a plurality of cross-members) in agiven REAF system which are positioned in planes that form acute, rightor obtuse angles relative to one another. For example, a wall sectionformed from wall slot 640H may be set at substantially a right anglerelative to a wall section formed from wall slot 640G, while both wallsections may be set at substantially one hundred thirty five (135)degrees from a wall section formed from wall slot 640F.

FIG. 6I depicts a more detailed view of the exemplary post clamp pair615C, 615D previously described relative to FIG. 6B. In the FIG. 6Iillustration, the through-bolt holes 635 can be seen. As previouslydescribed, a post clamp pair such as pair 615C, 615D may be mounted to apost such that the post is “sandwiched” between them and thenmechanically fixed to each other via a through-bolt or equivalentfastening means. Also depicted in the FIG. 6I illustration is acenter-bolt 650. It is envisioned that some embodiments of a REAF systemmay require one or more center-bolts 650 or equivalent fastening meansto connect the post clamp pair through the post itself. In this way, thepossibility of spinning or turning of the post clamp pair around thepost may be eliminated. Notably, post clamp pairs (or slip-on postclamps such as described relative to FIG. 5D) featuring center cavityprofiles with “flat” areas in their geometry (such as the post clamppairs described in FIGS. 6E, 6F and 6G) may not require through-bolts toguard against turning or spinning relative to a post.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate cross-sections of exemplary wall sections made ofcross-members that may be included in some embodiments of a REAF system.FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-section of a wall section formed from of aplurality of cross-members having z-shaped cross-sectional profiles.FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-section of a wall section formed from of aplurality of cross-members having circular cross-sectional profiles,such as may be accomplished via use of PVC pipe as a material ofconstruction for cross-members. FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-section of awall section formed from of a plurality of cross-members having diamondshaped cross-sectional profiles. The cross-member and wall sectionembodiments illustrated in FIG. 7 are offered for exemplary purposesonly and are not meant to limit the scope of potential cross-sectionalprofiles for cross members that may be used in a given REAF system.Other cross-sectional profiles for cross members in a REAF system areenvisioned.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary REAF system 103 with cross-membershaving diamond shaped profiles. In the FIG. 8 illustration, the REAFsystem 103 is being used in an application to mitigate erosion of ashoreline. As can be understood from the upper arrow, as a wave of watercontacts the front-side of the REAF system 103, water and suspendedsediment is forced through and between adjacent cross-members. Energycarried by the wave is dissipated by virtue of the wave coming intocontact with the REAF system 103 and the water having to navigatethrough the narrow openings between adjacent cross-members. It isenvisioned that some embodiments of a REAF system may includecross-members which are formed form a material that is somewhat flexiblesuch that, when a wave contacts a wall section formed from thecross-members, the cross-members will temporarily flex to widen the gapsbetween adjacent cross-members.

Returning to the FIG. 8 illustration, once the water and sedimentcarried by a wave passes through the wall section of the REAF system103, sand and sediment accretes or accumulates on the backside of thesystem 103 while the water finds its way back through the system 103 (asrepresented by the lower arrow). In this way, the integrity of theshoreline on the backside of the REAF system 103 is maintained as wellas the integrity of the installation of the various pilings that supportthe REAF system 103.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary REAF system with diamond-shapedcross-members 920 being inserted into a side port aspect 950 of anexemplary post clamp 915 that includes an adjustable bottom stopfeature. As can be seen in the FIG. 9 illustration, a side port aspect950 may be included in some embodiments of a post clamp. It isenvisioned that an advantage of a post clamp with a side port is thatREAF systems using such a post clamp 915 may be constructed inapplications with inadequate headroom to accommodate installation ofcross members from the top (such as was described relative to FIG. 2).Some embodiments may also include a plug (not depicted) or other meansfor securing the port once the desired amount of cross-members areinstalled.

Further, the exemplary post clamp 915 also includes an adjustable bottomstop in the form of bottom stop slots 960. As shown in FIG. 9, a bottomstop 955 is located in bottom stop slot 960B such that cross-members 920form a wall section up from the position of bottom stop slot 960B. Asone of ordinary skill in the art would understand, by adjusting theposition of bottom stop 955 to other bottom stop slots 960, the loweredge of a wall section may be adjusted.

As an example of an application where it may be desirable to adjust theposition of a bottom stop feature in a REAF system, the FIG. 9illustration includes a sand level line and an eroded sand level line.With the bottom stop 955 adjusted in the wall slot 940 at bottom stopslot 960B, the sand may accrete on the backside of the REAF system atthe sand level. In the event that environmental conditions drasticallychange such that the sand level is eroded (perhaps by a flood or severestorm), the sand behind the REAF system may erode to the eroded sandlevel. At such point, it may be desirable to adjust and redefine theposition of the lower edge of the wall section. Advantageously, thebottom stop 955 may be lowered to the bottom stop slot 960C, therebylowering the wall section to the eroded sand level.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary installation of a REAF system to aseries of pylons supporting a deck structure. In the FIG. 10illustration, a series of wall sections 1020 are mounted between postclamp pairs 1015 to form an exemplary REAF system on the pylons beneaththe deck. Notably, wall section 1020 is positioned substantially ninetydegrees from wall section 1020B by virtue of the wall slot positioningin post clamp pair 1015A. Also, wall sections 1020B, 1020C and 1020D arepositioned substantially along the same plane by virtue of the wall slotpositioning on post clamp pairs 1015B, 1015C and 1015D. Advantageously,because of the exemplary REAF system the shoreline integrity ispreserved and the water line remains exterior to the deck pilings.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate an exemplary spacer component 1100 that may becomprised within certain embodiments of a REAF system. The exemplaryspacer component 1100 depicted in the FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrations isin the form of a “bow-tie” such that an upper cradle 1110U and a lowercradle 1110L are configured to interface with cross-members 1120U and1120L, respectively. Notably, a REAF system embodiment that includes oneor more spacer components 1100 provides a gap between two adjacentcross-members 1120. Advantageously, the gap location created by use ofspacer components 110 in a given REAF system installation may beselected based on a desired sand accretion level. Further, although theexemplary spacer component 1100 is depicted in the shape of a “bow-tie”for forming a gap between cross-members 1120 having circularcross-sectional profiles, it is envisioned that a spacer component maytake a form other than a “bow-tie” as may be necessary for forming a gapbetween adjacent cross-members featuring something other than a circularcross-section profile.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary REAF system 1300 comprising theexemplary spacer component 1100 of FIGS. 11-12. In the FIG. 13illustration, it can be seen that three spacer components 1100A, 1100B,1100C have been placed between two adjacent cross-members, uppercross-member 1120U and lower cross-member 1120L. In doing so, a gap 1310is formed. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,the location of the gap 1310 may be helpful in maintaining a sandaccretion level on the backside of the REAF system 1300 at or below thegap 1310.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary vertical housing unit (“VHU”) 1400 thatmay be comprised within certain embodiments of a REAF system. Theexemplary VHU 1400 in the FIG. 14 illustration is comprised of a seriesof vertically positioned substratum members 1415 which are anchored inone or more positioning plates 1410. Further, a VHU 1400 may include atop plate 1405. As can be seen in the FIG. 14 illustration, thesubstratum members 1415 are received into retention features of thepositioning plates 1410A, 1410B. Notably, although the exemplary VHUembodiment depicted in the FIG. 14 illustration includes two positioningplates 1410A, 1410B, it is envisioned that other VHU embodiments mayhave only a single positioning plate or more than two positioningplates, depending on the particular application. Similarly, although theexemplary VHU embodiment depicted in the FIG. 14 illustration includes atop plate 1405, it is envisioned that other VHU embodiments may not makeuse of a top plate.

The substratum members 1415 in the exemplary embodiment 1400 areillustrated as having a round cross-section. It will be understood,however, that all substratum members 1415 included in a given VHUembodiment may not necessarily have circular cross-sections, as it isenvisioned that substratum members may exist in different forms such as,but not limited to, rebar, angle iron, channel iron, square stake, etc.

Notably, each of the positioning plates 1410 and the top plate 1405 mayinclude ears or tab features 1420. The tab features 1420 may beconfigured to slide into vertical wall slots 140, 141 such that thegiven plate extends between a pair of adjacent post clamps or sleeves.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary REAF system comprising the exemplaryVHU 1400 of FIG. 14. As can be seen in the FIG. 15 illustration, the VHU1400 may form the base or lower end of a given wall section spanningbetween adjacent post clamps/posts. Because some applications of a REAFsystem may be prone to sand erosion beneath the lowest cross-memberbefore sand has a chance to accrete on the backside of the system,certain REAF system embodiments may make use of a vertical housing unit,such as VHU 1400. The VHU 1400 provides for the substratum members 1415to be driven down below the initial ground level and anchored to thepositioning plates 1410, which are in turn anchored to the post clampsvia tab features 1420. In this way, a VHU 1400 may provide a barrierthat mitigates or prevents erosion of the sand beneath a lowestcross-member 120. Close-up cutaway 1505 of the VHU 1400 depicts how thesubstratum members 1415 are anchored via the retention features of thepositioning plates 1410.

FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the cutaway 1505 of the exemplary VHU 1400depicted in the FIG. 15 illustration. As can be seen in the FIG. 16illustration, the upper ends of the substratum members 1415 are receivedinto retention features of the positioning plates 1410. Notably,although the exemplary VHU 1400 includes a pair of positioning plates1410, it is envisioned that other VHU embodiments may use only a singlepositioning plate or more than two positioning plates.

Returning to the FIG. 16 illustration, a top plate 1405 covers theuppermost positioning plate 1410A so as to “cap off” the verticalsubstratum members 1415. It is envisioned that not all VHU embodimentswill include a top plate 1410. It is further envisioned that certain VHUembodiments may make use of a single component that integrates thepositioning plate and top plates functionalities described herein. Abovethe top plate 1405, a first cross-member 120 forming the wall section isplaced. Advantageously, because the sand may be prevented from erodingbelow a point represented by a component of the VHU 1400, the REAFsystem may begin to dissipate wave energy and accrete sand behind thecross-members 120 as described above.

Systems, devices and methods for shoreline preservation have beendescribed using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that areprovided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure. The described embodiments comprise different features,not all of which are required in all embodiments of a REAF system. Someembodiments of a REAF system utilize only some of the features orpossible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of aREAF system that are described and embodiments of a REAF systemcomprising different combinations of features noted in the describedembodiments will occur to persons of the art.

Further, certain steps in the methods described in this specificationnaturally precede others for the REAF system to function as described.However, installation and use of a REAF system is not limited to theorder of the steps described if such order or sequence does not alterthe functionality of the REAF system. In some instances, certain stepsfor installing and using a REAF system may be omitted or not performedwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, words suchas “thereafter”, “then”, “next”, etc. are not intended to limit theorder of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the readerthrough the description of the exemplary method.

Therefore, although selected aspects have been illustrated and describedin detail, it will be understood that various substitutions andalterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for shoreline preservation along a linedefined by a plurality of posts, the system comprising: first and secondpost clamp pairs, each comprised of a left post clamp half and a rightpost clamp half, wherein: the first post clamp pair is mounted to afirst post and the second post clamp pair is mounted to a second post;the first and second posts are adjacent such that the right post clamphalf of the first post clamp pair faces the left post clamp half of thesecond post clamp pair; each post clamp pair is fixed in positionrelative to its respective post by a center cavity profile having atleast one flat aspect; and each of the right post clamp half of thefirst post clamp pair and the left post clamp half of the second postclamp pair comprise a substantially vertical wall slot; a plurality ofcross-members received into the walls slots such that a wall section isformed in a space defined between the first and second posts; and avertical housing unit received into the wall slots and comprising aplurality of substratum members for preventing erosion beneath a firstcross-member.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pair oflocking cap components mounted atop each of the post clamp pairs,wherein the locking cap components are operable to retain the one ormore cross-members in the wall slots.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one deadman anchor component and wherein at leastone of the post clamp pairs further comprises a deadman slot forreceiving the deadman anchor component.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the position of the deadman anchor component is verticallyadjustable.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or morecross-members comprise a cross-sectional profile in the shape of adiamond.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more cross-memberscomprise a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a “Z”.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more cross-members comprise across-sectional profile in the shape of a circle.
 8. The system of claim7, wherein the one or more cross-members are constructed from apolyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) pipe.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second posts have an octagonal cross-sectional profile and thepost clamp pairs comprise an octagonal center cavity profile.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first and second posts have a squarecross-sectional profile and the post clamp pairs comprise a squarecenter cavity profile.
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising atleast one spacer component positioned between adjacent cross-members ofthe plurality of cross-members.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third post clamp pair comprised of a left post clamp halfand a right post clamp half, wherein: the third post clamp pair ismounted to a third post; the third post is adjacent to the second postsuch that the right post clamp half of the second post clamp pair facesthe left post clamp half of the third post clamp pair; the third postclamp pair is fixed in position relative to its respective post by acenter cavity profile having at least one flat aspect; and each of theright post clamp half of the second post clamp pair and the left postclamp half of the third post clamp pair comprise a substantiallyvertical wall slot; and a plurality of cross-members are received intothe walls slots such that a wall section is formed in a space definedbetween the second and third posts.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe wall section formed between the first and second posts issubstantially in the same plane with the wall section formed between thesecond and third posts.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the wallsection formed between the first and second posts is positioned at anangle greater than ninety degrees relative to the wall section formedbetween the second and third posts.
 15. The system of claim 1, whereinthe cross-members are constructed from a material that flexes when awave contacts the wall section such that a gap between adjacentcross-members is temporarily expanded.
 16. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of posts support a structure other than theshoreline preservation system.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein thepost clamp pairs are constructed from one of plastic, galvanized steeland aluminum.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of thecross-members are constructed from one of plastic, galvanized steel,aluminum and wood.
 19. A system for shoreline preservation along a linedefined by a plurality of posts, the system comprising: first and secondpost sleeves, wherein: the first post sleeve is mounted around a firstpost and the second post sleeve is mounted around a second post; thefirst and second posts are adjacent such that the right side of thefirst post sleeve faces the left side of the second post sleeve; eachpost sleeve is fixed in position relative to its respective post by acenter cavity profile having at least one flat aspect; and each of theright side of the first post sleeve and the left side of the second postsleeve comprise a substantially vertical wall slot; a plurality ofcross-members received into the walls slots such that a wall section isformed in a space defined between the first and second posts; and avertical housing unit received into the wall slots and comprising aplurality of substratum members for preventing erosion beneath a firstcross-member.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first and secondposts have an octagonal cross-sectional profile and the post sleevescomprise an octagonal center cavity profile.